(A few months ago in a training session as a student ambassador)
I find it easier playing the role of the mentee in the session rather than playing the mentor, because all I did was rant about things and bring up certain problematic issues. Another reason was that maybe I could relate more to the situations of a mentee because I also had that questions and issues when I was at that stage in my life where I have to make tough decisions for my future.
For the mentee’s part, I think that it was really important that my mentor put me at ease at the start during our first meeting. Because young people at that age are most probably anxious about talking to someone about certain concerns. It would be normal for them to hold back at first. And sometimes, they might get intimidated by a mentor. For a mentee, a positive feeling of the meeting might be crucial, considering the fact that first impressions are important in predicting the flow of the relationship. As a mentee, I found it easier to open up with my mentor because she was really outgoing and nice. She shared a lot of ideas, thoughts, and experiences about the issues that I brought up, which quite convinced me to consider pursuing HE. In the end, I found the mentor to be an effective one.
Being a mentee, I realised that mentees could make the most of the mentoring relationship if they themselves are interested in developing their skills towards achieving a certain goal, which in this case is pursuing HE, and if they are able to take responsibility of these developments as well. It is important for them to be able to set goals and eventually work towards them. They must be open-minded, just as a mentor should be open-minded. They should learn how to accept constructive criticisms and willing to take on challenges, being positive about change and growth.
